Parents and students filled the auditorium on Dec. 11 for a night of festive music from Coral Gables Senior High’s band and chorus. The students hoped to bring spirit to the stage with performances featuring piano melodies, chorus selections and band pieces. After months of dedication and practice, the music program was more than excited to showcase their talent this holiday season.
Before the curtains opened, pianists performed classical pieces like Polonaise in C Minor Opus 46 Number 2 and Pirates of the Carribean, which was meant to demonstrate musical range. Later on in the show, a duet performance took place which left the audience with an emotional and more familiar taste. With songs “Best Part” by Daniel Caesar and “Misty” by Lesley Gore, the show got a more familiar and modern touch to it.
“We would rehearse for about two hours every Monday and Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., but really the most difficult part was definitely memorizing the songs, especially ‘Silent Night’ because all of us were singing in different languages. I really wish more people knew this because the music program is very friendly and is a welcoming space for everyone. This was my first year taking choir and I felt super supported from everyone especially Mr. Canales who was able to easily guide use through the songs,” sophomore Dayahna Piloto said.
Taking the stage shortly after was Gables’ chorus, performing five unique and classical songs. After performing at the Merrick Festival Caroling Competition for the first time in years, these students felt more than ready to sing their hearts out.
The pieces started out soft and simple. Performing songs like Winter Lights started the chorus’ section gave the concert whit and peace. Then, the performers gave the audience their all while performing songs ‘O Nata Lux’ and ‘Silent Night for All the World’, which are two lyrically difficult songs to sing if singers do not speak the native language. Finally, chorus finished their segment with a more upbeat and moody song called Winter Wish, which had everyone in the auditorium clapping along.
Afterwards, attendees were given the chance to step out for fresh air and enjoy refreshments and snacks. Parents were also able to take photos and congratulate students on their performance. After 15 minutes, the lights dimmed and the concert continued to the third segment.
“Choir is one of the best parts of high school for me because no one really knows how close you get with everyone. We spend countless hours each year working toward the same goal, and it brings everyone together in a special way. I have been playing since elementary school, and even though it was originally something my parents wanted me to do, I fell in love with choir quickly,” junior Emily Falls said.
As the curtains rose for the second time, audience members were able to witness the Gables band fully ready to blow the audience away. At first, they started slow, playing On an Olde English Carol, which gave the audience a mysterious and calming experience with their gorgeous instrumentals. What the viewers were not expecting though was a wonderful upbeat performance to Wintertime and Coventry Groove, which gave much more spirit to the show and pepped up the audience to end the show.
“I wish more students knew that the music program is that music does not just happen overnight. We strive to put in the effort to sound and perform as perfect as we can to show our commitment to the program and the school. I started playing an instrument as a kid just because I was really fascinated by the idea that music is the key to everything. Music makes me whole and is the missing piece to my heart,” senior Bryan Duran-Santos said.
From picking up their instruments for the first time to playing on stage for a full audience, students in the music department at Gables enjoy every second of their performances and it shows. Audience members cheered until the last note played to show that the concert successfully carried emotion and joy, making it so that it fulfilled its purpose of not only celebrating the holidays, but also showcasing growth and talent amongst the Cavalier musicians.
